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Disability Compensation

Person in Military Uniform

Service connected compensation is a monthly payment awarded to those veterans who have incurred injury or disease, with lasting effect, during their military service. Ratings are determined based on the degree of the disability, but only after the veteran has filed a formal claim for benefits. Ratings can be from 0% to 100% and ratings of 30% or higher entitle the veteran to additional monthly payments for dependents.

In addition, other benefits may be obtained as the basic compensation rating goes higher.

Free medical care is provided by the VA for service connected disabilities regardless of the rating.

Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

Eligibility

  • Service in the Uniformed Services or active duty OR
  • Active duty for training OR
  • Inactive duty training AND
  • You were discharged under, other than dishonorable conditions AND
  • You are at least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

Note: If you were on inactive duty for training, the disability must have resulted from injury, heart attack, or stroke.

A formal claim for benefits may be applied for at our office.

VA Disability Rating

Every service-connected condition a veteran has is assigned a rating by the VA. After each of the conditions a veteran has is given a VA Disability Rating, all the ratings are then combined using VA Math to give the veteran a single Total Combined VA Disability Rating. This overall VA Disability Rating is then used to determine the exact amount of VA Disability Benefits the veteran will receive.

Veterans Disability Compensation Rates

Review Current Veterans disability compensation rates. Use the VA compensation benefits rate tables to find your monthly payment amount. Your monthly payment amount is based on your disability rating and details about your dependent family members.

Presumptive Disability Benefits

VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This
is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a
presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be
awarded disability compensation. For information about diseases currently listed as presumptive for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, Atomic veterans exposed to Ionizing radiation, Gulf War and Post 9/11 veterans. For information about presumptive conditions because of the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Former POWs are generally entitled to a presumption of service connection for some conditions, regardless of the length of captivity, if manifested to a degree of 10% or more after discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Some veterans may have experienced personal assault or sexual trauma while serving in the military. These kinds of experiences can sometimes affect veterans’ mental and physical health, even many years later. Veterans can apply for disability compensation for any current difficulties that are related to their service, including difficulties related to personal assault or military sexual trauma (MST). You do not need a VA service connected disability rating to be eligible for free MST-related treatment through the VA. No documentation is required to receive MST-related treatment.

100% Disabled Veteran ID

100% Disabled Veterans and eligible family members can receive an ID to provide authorization to utilize the commissary, military exchange and MWR only. They are also eligible to receive medical benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). To receive this ID the veterans and eligible family member must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Click here to view a list of required documents needed.

Veteran Readiness and Employment

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.